The southbound bore is open to the public as a cycle path, and I have visited many times over the years. But it is the closed northbound bore that has always held my interest. Firstly, due to the curve, you cannot see through it, unlike its counterpart. Secondly, it has a few items cluttering the tunnel, and thirdly, there are no photos on the internet of the inside of the tunnel.
I first visited the twin tunnels in 1994, so was very lucky to finally see inside the closed tunnel. It was rewardingly very different from the public tunnel. Its curve leaving it pitch black in the centre, leaking water, bulging sides threatening collapse, unusual ceiling recesses, colours, and gated ends are all interesting features.
An enjoyable explore with JuJu, KM Punk, & Stranton.
The Northampton to Market Harborough line opened in 1859 and had tunnels at Great Oxendon and nearby Kelmarsh. The original tunnel was single-track (422M), and when the line was doubled a second single-track tunnel was built. The second tunnel had an airshaft, and is now a cycle path all the way to Northampton. The line closed in 1981.
Thanks as always
I first visited the twin tunnels in 1994, so was very lucky to finally see inside the closed tunnel. It was rewardingly very different from the public tunnel. Its curve leaving it pitch black in the centre, leaking water, bulging sides threatening collapse, unusual ceiling recesses, colours, and gated ends are all interesting features.
An enjoyable explore with JuJu, KM Punk, & Stranton.
The Northampton to Market Harborough line opened in 1859 and had tunnels at Great Oxendon and nearby Kelmarsh. The original tunnel was single-track (422M), and when the line was doubled a second single-track tunnel was built. The second tunnel had an airshaft, and is now a cycle path all the way to Northampton. The line closed in 1981.
Thanks as always
